By SHANE HURNDELL | 8th January 2011
A Makea family showdown is expected to draw a crowd as the pressure intensifies in Hawke’s Bay’s bid to secure a semifinal berth at the national under-19 boys softball tournament in Lower Hutt today.
William Makea is at second base for the Bay team which recorded two losses from three outings yesterday and must record at least one win today to remain in the hunt for a semifinal berth tomorrow.
Hawke’s Bay’s first opponent today is unbeaten Wellington, a side coached by Makea’s father Tom Makea snr, who wasn’t wanted by Hawke’s Bay official despite winning previously two titles with Bay sides in this age group.
One of William’s nephews, 13-year-old Dante, a son of three-time world champion Black Sox star Tom Makea jnr, may take the diamond as a relief second baseman for Wellington. Coach Makea said he won’t be doing his son’s side any favours. “I’m down here coaching a new team and we’re all out to win every game we can.”
Hawke’s Bay right outfielder Tawa Huata hit a home run in the Bay’s first outing yesterday – a 4-3 loss to Waikato. Bay manager Craig Waterhouse said his troops didn’t hit as well as they should have in this match and an unlucky missed catch by left outfielder Ryan Mudd cost his side two runs.
Five runs in the first inning were the key to the Bay’s 5-1 win against North Harbour.
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Third baseman Josh Gettins scored two of the runs.
Basic errors and lost opportunities proved costly in the Bay’s 4-3 loss to Upper South Island in their other match yesterday.
Former Australia age group representative Joel Harris pitched for the winning team.
Waterhouse pointed out injuries also took their toll yesterday with catcher Matt Williams a doubtful starter for the remainder of the tournament with an arm injury and several other niggles are causing concern.
Hawke’s Bay’s other game today will be against Hutt Valley and Waterhouse believes if his troops win this one they will have a semifinal tomorrow.